Signal booster with coaxial cable connections

ABSTRACT

Technology for a repeater is disclosed. The repeater can include a first coaxial cable with a first defined connection. The repeater can include a repeater unit communicatively coupled to the first coaxial cable via the first defined connection. The repeater can include a controller configured to adjust a gain or output power of the repeater unit that accounts for known losses on the first coaxial cable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/484,315, filed Apr. 11, 2017, the entirespecification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Signal boosters and repeaters can be used to increase the quality ofwireless communication between a wireless device and a wirelesscommunication access point, such as a cell tower. Signal boosters canimprove the quality of the wireless communication by amplifying,filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques to uplink anddownlink signals communicated between the wireless device and thewireless communication access point.

As an example, the signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlinksignals from the wireless communication access point. The signal boostercan amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlinksignal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster canact as a relay between the wireless device and the wirelesscommunication access point. As a result, the wireless device can receivea stronger signal from the wireless communication access point.Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless device (e.g., telephonecalls and other data) can be directed to the signal booster. The signalbooster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via anantenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from thedetailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the disclosure; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a signal booster in communication with a wirelessdevice and a base station in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cellular signal booster configured to amplifyuplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using one or more downlink signalpaths and one or more uplink signal paths in accordance with an example;

FIG. 3 illustrates a signal booster with coaxial cables that areconnected using defined connectors in accordance with an example;

FIG. 4 illustrates a signal booster with multiple signal booster unitsand coaxial cables that are connected using defined connectors inaccordance with an example; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a wireless device in accordance with an example.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the particularstructures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but isextended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by thoseordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understoodthat terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The samereference numerals in different drawings represent the same element.Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarityin illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate aparticular order or sequence.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and thenspecific technology embodiments are described in further detail later.This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding thetechnology more quickly but is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 120 in communication witha wireless device 110 and a base station 130. The signal booster 120 canbe referred to as a repeater. A repeater can be an electronic deviceused to amplify (or boost) signals. The signal booster 120 (alsoreferred to as a cellular signal amplifier) can improve the quality ofwireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying otherprocessing techniques via a signal amplifier 122 to uplink signalscommunicated from the wireless device 110 to the base station 130 and/ordownlink signals communicated from the base station 130 to the wirelessdevice 110. In other words, the signal booster 120 can amplify or boostuplink signals and/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example,the signal booster 120 can be at a fixed location, such as in a home oroffice. Alternatively, the signal booster 120 can be attached to amobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device 110.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can include an integrateddevice antenna 124 (e.g., an inside antenna or a coupling antenna) andan integrated node antenna 126 (e.g., an outside antenna). Theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive the downlink signal from thebase station 130. The downlink signal can be provided to the signalamplifier 122 via a second coaxial cable 127 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The signal amplifier 122 can include one or more cellular signalamplifiers for amplification and filtering. The downlink signal that hasbeen amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated deviceantenna 124 via a first coaxial cable 125 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The integrated device antenna 124 can wirelessly communicate thedownlink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the wirelessdevice 110.

Similarly, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive an uplinksignal from the wireless device 110. The uplink signal can be providedto the signal amplifier 122 via the first coaxial cable 125 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The signal amplifier 122 can include one or morecellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The uplinksignal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to theintegrated node antenna 126 via the second coaxial cable 127 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The integrated node antenna 126 can communicate theuplink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the base station130.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can filter the uplink anddownlink signals using any suitable analog or digital filteringtechnology including, but not limited to, surface acoustic wave (SAW)filters, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, film bulk acoustic resonator(FBAR) filters, ceramic filters, waveguide filters or low-temperatureco-fired ceramic (LTCC) filters.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can send uplink signals to a nodeand/or receive downlink signals from the node. The node can comprise awireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a base station(BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radiohead (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), aradio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processingmodule (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 used to amplify the uplinkand/or a downlink signal is a handheld booster. The handheld booster canbe implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device 110. The wirelessdevice sleeve can be attached to the wireless device 110, but can beremoved as needed. In this configuration, the signal booster 120 canautomatically power down or cease amplification when the wireless device110 approaches a particular base station. In other words, the signalbooster 120 can determine to stop performing signal amplification whenthe quality of uplink and/or downlink signals is above a definedthreshold based on a location of the wireless device 110 in relation tothe base station 130.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can include a battery to providepower to various components, such as the signal amplifier 122, theintegrated device antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126. Thebattery can also power the wireless device 110 (e.g., phone or tablet).Alternatively, the signal booster 120 can receive power from thewireless device 110.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be a FederalCommunications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. As anon-limiting example, the signal booster 120 can be compatible with FCCPart 20 or 47 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 20.21 (Mar. 21,2013). In addition, the signal booster 120 can operate on thefrequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services underparts 22 (Cellular), 24 (Broadband PCS), 27 (AWS-1, 700 MHz Lower A-EBlocks, and 700 MHz Upper C Block), and 90 (Specialized Mobile Radio) of47 C.F.R. The signal booster 120 can be configured to automaticallyself-monitor its operation to ensure compliance with applicable noiseand gain limits. The signal booster 120 can either self-correct or shutdown automatically if the signal booster's operations violate theregulations defined in FCC Part 20.21.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can improve the wirelessconnection between the wireless device 110 and the base station 130(e.g., cell tower) or another type of wireless wide area network (WWAN)access point (AP). The signal booster 120 can boost signals for cellularstandards, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) LongTerm Evolution (LTE) Release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 standards orInstitute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.16. In oneconfiguration, the signal booster 120 can boost signals for 3GPP LTERelease 13.0.0 (March 2016) or other desired releases. The signalbooster 120 can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification36.101 (Release 12 June 2015) bands or LTE frequency bands. For example,the signal booster 120 can boost signals from the LTE frequency bands:2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, and 25. In addition, the signal booster 120 canboost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in whichthe signal booster is used, including any of bands 1-70 or other bands,as disclosed in ETSI TS136 104 V13.5.0 (2016 October).

The number of LTE frequency bands and the level of signal improvementcan vary based on a particular wireless device, cellular node, orlocation. Additional domestic and international frequencies can also beincluded to offer increased functionality. Selected models of the signalbooster 120 can be configured to operate with selected frequency bandsbased on the location of use. In another example, the signal booster 120can automatically sense from the wireless device 110 or base station 130(or GPS, etc.) which frequencies are used, which can be a benefit forinternational travelers.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be comprised of a single antenna, an antenna array,or have a telescoping form-factor. In another example, the integrateddevice antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126 can be amicrochip antenna. An example of a microchip antenna is AMMAL001. In yetanother example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Anexample of a PCB antenna is TE 2118310-1.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive uplink(UL) signals from the wireless device 100 and transmit DL signals to thewireless device 100 using a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated device antenna 124 can receive UL signals from the wirelessdevice 100 using a dedicated UL antenna, and the integrated deviceantenna 124 can transmit DL signals to the wireless device 100 using adedicated DL antenna.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate withthe wireless device 110 using near field communication. Alternatively,the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate with the wirelessdevice 110 using far field communication.

In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 can receive downlink(DL) signals from the base station 130 and transmit uplink (UL) signalsto the base station 130 via a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive DL signals from the base station130 using a dedicated DL antenna, and the integrated node antenna 126can transmit UL signals to the base station 130 using a dedicated ULantenna.

In one configuration, multiple signal boosters can be used to amplify ULand DL signals. For example, a first signal booster can be used toamplify UL signals and a second signal booster can be used to amplify DLsignals. In addition, different signal boosters can be used to amplifydifferent frequency ranges.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be configured toidentify when the wireless device 110 receives a relatively strongdownlink signal. An example of a strong downlink signal can be adownlink signal with a signal strength greater than approximately −80dBm. The signal booster 120 can be configured to automatically turn offselected features, such as amplification, to conserve battery life. Whenthe signal booster 120 senses that the wireless device 110 is receivinga relatively weak downlink signal, the integrated booster can beconfigured to provide amplification of the downlink signal. An exampleof a weak downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signalstrength less than −80 dBm.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can also include one or more of:a waterproof casing, a shock absorbent casing, a flip-cover, a wallet,or extra memory storage for the wireless device. In one example, extramemory storage can be achieved with a direct connection between thesignal booster 120 and the wireless device 110. In another example,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Bluetooth 5, Ultra High Frequency (UHF),3GPP LTE, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, orIEEE 802.11ad can be used to couple the signal booster 120 with thewireless device 110 to enable data from the wireless device 110 to becommunicated to and stored in the extra memory storage that isintegrated in the signal booster 120. Alternatively, a connector can beused to connect the wireless device 110 to the extra memory storage.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can include photovoltaic cells orsolar panels as a technique of charging the integrated battery and/or abattery of the wireless device 110. In another example, the signalbooster 120 can be configured to communicate directly with otherwireless devices with signal boosters. In one example, the integratednode antenna 126 can communicate over Very High Frequency (VHF)communications directly with integrated node antennas of other signalboosters. The signal booster 120 can be configured to communicate withthe wireless device 110 through a direct connection, Near-FieldCommunications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetoothv4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute ofElectronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TV White SpaceBand (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radioband. Examples of such ISM bands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5GHz, or 5.9 GHz. This configuration can allow data to pass at high ratesbetween multiple wireless devices with signal boosters. Thisconfiguration can also allow users to send text messages, initiate phonecalls, and engage in video communications between wireless devices withsignal boosters. In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 can beconfigured to couple to the wireless device 110. In other words,communications between the integrated node antenna 126 and the wirelessdevice 110 can bypass the integrated booster.

In another example, a separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate over VHF communications directly with separate VHF nodeantennas of other signal boosters. This configuration can allow theintegrated node antenna 126 to be used for simultaneous cellularcommunications. The separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate with the wireless device 110 through a direct connection,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE,Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TVWhite Space Band (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical(ISM) radio band.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be configured forsatellite communication. In one example, the integrated node antenna 126can be configured to act as a satellite communication antenna. Inanother example, a separate node antenna can be used for satellitecommunications. The signal booster 120 can extend the range of coverageof the wireless device 110 configured for satellite communication. Theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive downlink signals from satellitecommunications for the wireless device 110. The signal booster 120 canfilter and amplify the downlink signals from the satellitecommunication. In another example, during satellite communications, thewireless device 110 can be configured to couple to the signal booster120 via a direct connection or an ISM radio band. Examples of such ISMbands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, or 5.9 GHz.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary bi-directional wireless signal booster200 configured to amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using aseparate signal path for each UL frequency band and DL frequency bandand a controller 240. The bi-directional wireless signal booster 200 canbe integrated with a GPS module in a signal booster. An outside antenna210, or an integrated node antenna, can receive a downlink signal. Forexample, the downlink signal can be received from a base station (notshown). The downlink signal can be provided to a first B1/B2 diplexer212, wherein B1 represents a first frequency band and B2 represents asecond frequency band. The first B1/B2 diplexer 212 can create a B1downlink signal path and a B2 downlink signal path. Therefore, adownlink signal that is associated with B1 can travel along the B1downlink signal path to a first B1 duplexer 214, or a downlink signalthat is associated with B2 can travel along the B2 downlink signal pathto a first B2 duplexer 216. After passing the first B1 duplexer 214, thedownlink signal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A10,A11 and A12) and downlink band pass filters (BPF) to a second B1duplexer 218. Alternatively, after passing the first B2 duplexer 216,the downlink can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A07, A08and A09) and downlink band pass filters (BFF) to a second B2 duplexer220. At this point, the downlink signal (B1 or B2) has been amplifiedand filtered in accordance with the type of amplifiers and BPFs includedin the bi-directional wireless signal booster 200. The downlink signalsfrom the second B1 duplexer 218 or the second B2 duplexer 220,respectively, can be provided to a second B1/B2 diplexer 222. The secondB1/B2 diplexer 222 can provide an amplified downlink signal to an insideantenna 230, or an integrated device antenna. The inside antenna 230 cancommunicate the amplified downlink signal to a wireless device (notshown), such as a mobile phone.

In one example, the inside antenna 230 can receive an uplink (UL) signalfrom the wireless device. The uplink signal can be provided to thesecond B1/B2 diplexer 222. The second B1/B2 diplexer 222 can create a B1uplink signal path and a B2 uplink signal path. Therefore, an uplinksignal that is associated with B1 can travel along the B1 uplink signalpath to the second B1 duplexer 218, or an uplink signal that isassociated with B2 can travel along the B2 uplink signal path to thesecond B2 duplexer 222. After passing the second B1 duplexer 218, theuplink signal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A01, A02and A03) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B1 duplexer214. Alternatively, after passing the second B2 duplexer 220, the uplinksignal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A04, A05 andA06) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B2 duplexer 216. Atthis point, the uplink signal (B1 or B2) has been amplified and filteredin accordance with the type of amplifiers and BFFs included in thebi-directional wireless signal booster 200. The uplink signals from thefirst B1 duplexer 214 or the first B2 duplexer 216, respectively, can beprovided to the first B1/B2 diplexer 12. The first B1/B2 diplexer 212can provide an amplified uplink signal to the outside antenna 210. Theoutside antenna can communicate the amplified uplink signal to the basestation.

In one example, the bi-directional wireless signal booster 200 can be a6-band booster. In other words, the bi-directional wireless signalbooster 200 can perform amplification and filtering for downlink anduplink signals having a frequency in bands B1, B2, B3 B4, B5 and/or B6.

In one example, the bi-directional wireless signal booster 200 can usethe duplexers to separate the uplink and downlink frequency bands, whichare then amplified and filtered separately. A multiple-band cellularsignal booster can typically have dedicated radio frequency (RF)amplifiers (gain blocks), RF detectors, variable RF attenuators and RFfilters for each uplink and downlink band.

In one configuration, a cellular signal booster can include a firstcoaxial cable (e.g., an inside coaxial cable) that connects the cellularsignal booster to a first antenna (e.g., an inside antenna) and a secondcoaxial cable (e.g., an outside coaxial cable) that connects thecellular signal booster to a second antenna (e.g., an outside antenna).Losses can occur on the first coaxial cable between the first antennaand the cellular signal booster, and losses can occur on the secondcoaxial cable between the second antenna and the cellular signalbooster. These losses on the first and second coaxial cables can reducethe performance and coverage area of the cellular signal booster. In oneexample, the first and second coaxial cables attached to the cellularsignal booster can be removable for installation purposes.

One option for overcoming coaxial cable losses can be to set upadditional cellular signal booster systems in a given area, but thisoption can increase expense, installation work/time, and a number ofantennas (which can be considered unfavorable from an aesthetic point ofview).

In one example, a government or regulatory body, such as the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) in the United States, can providerequirements for gain limitations of a booster that are to be measuredat the booster's connectors, without taking into account the loss incables that are connected to the booster's connectors. For example, inprevious solutions, the FCC measures the gain and output power of acellular signal booster between: (1) a first connection point at thefirst coaxial cable (e.g., the inside coaxial cable) and the cellularsignal booster, and (2) a second connection point at the second coaxialcable (e.g., the outside coaxial cable) and the cellular signal booster.Thus, the gain and output power can be measured at both ends of thecellular signal booster without including the first and second coaxialcables in the measurement. However, in previous solutions, themeasurement of gain and output power between these the first and secondconnection points does not allow for optimum gain and output powerbecause since losses in the first and second coaxial cables is notincluded when determining the gain and output power. In other words, inprevious solutions, when the gain and output power is set for thecellular signal booster, it does not account for and compensate for thelosses in the first and second coaxial cables.

Taking the losses of connectors and cables into account can complicatethe measurements of a booster's gain. For example, if a maximum gain isset and measured at the end of a first cable, connected to a booster,and then a different connector or cable is used, the actual gain of thebooster can change, as measured at the end of the different connector orcable. This can make it more difficult to ensure the booster is notproducing more gain than allowed by the government entity.

In the present technology, a cellular signal booster can provide foroptimum gain and output power by using coaxial cables attached bydefined connectors (or proprietary connections). As used herein, adefined cable or a defined connector is a cable and/or connector that isspecified for connection to a specific signal booster output and/orinput. In addition, the cable and/or connector and/or signal boosterinput and/or output can be configured such that only the defined cableand/or connector can be connected. A different cable and/or connectorwill not be configured to be connected.

The use of a defined connector and/or defined cable connected to aninput and/or output of a booster allows the booster gain to be set andmeasured at the end of the defined cable and/or connector, therebytaking into account the loss of the cable and/or connector. Since adifferent connector and/or cable is not configured to be connected tothe booster, then the booster gain that is set for the defined cableand/or connector will not change. This allows a maximum gain requirementof a government or regulatory body for a booster to be met, while alsotaking the additional loss of cables and connectors into account.

In one embodiment, a defined connector can be a proprietary connectorthat is configured such that other connectors with cables typicallycannot be connected to a port of a booster or repeater. Only a cableattached to the proprietary connector can be attached to the portconfigured for the proprietary connector. The cable attached to aproprietary connector can be a defined connector.

In another embodiment, a defined cable, with a predetermined amount ofloss, can be connected to a booster in such a way that it is nottypically disconnectable by an end user. For example, the cable may besoldered to the booster.

Similarly, a defined connector may be attached with a defined cable to abooster in a way that reduces the likelihood of a user removing thecable, such as by soldering a connector, gluing the connector, orotherwise attaching the connector to the booster such that a differentbooster or cable would not be typically used.

In one example, a first defined connector can be used to connect a firstcoaxial cable (e.g., an inside coaxial cable) to the cellular signalbooster, and a second defined connector can be used to connect a secondcoaxial cable (e.g., an outside coaxial cable) to the cellular signalbooster. The first coaxial cable (e.g., the inside coaxial cable) can beconnected to a first antenna (e.g., an inside antenna) and the secondcoaxial cable (e.g., the outside coaxial cable) can be connected to asecond antenna (e.g., an outside antenna).

In the present technology, based on the first and second definedconnectors, the gain and output power of the cellular signal booster canbe measured between: (1) a connection point at the first coaxial cable(e.g., the inside coaxial cable) and the first antenna (e.g., the insideantenna), and (2) a connection point at the second coaxial cable (e.g.,the outside coaxial cable) and the second antenna (e.g., the outsideantenna). In this example, the gain and output power can be measured atboth ends of the cellular signal booster and include the first andsecond coaxial cables in the measurement. As a result, the measurementof gain and output power between the first and second connection pointscan allow for optimum gain and output power because losses in the firstand second coaxial cables are accounted for when determining the gainand output power. In other words, in this example, the losses in thefirst and second coaxial cables can be considered and compensated forwhen setting the gain and output power for the cellular signal booster.The ability to incorporate coaxial cable losses can allow for highergain and improve overall performance, while still protecting a basestation.

In one example, the defined connectors (or defined connections) can beused to connect the coaxial cables to the cellular signal booster. Thedefined connectors can be configured for a predetermined length ofcoaxial cable. In other words, different defined connectors can beconfigured for different lengths of coaxial cables. The definedconnectors can include proprietary or non-proprietary connectors. Thedefined connectors can utilize a non-standard diameter and/or anon-standard threading gauge. In one example, a diameter and/orthreading gauge in a standard connector (e.g., an ‘N-type’ connector)can be modified, thereby creating a defined connector with anon-standard diameter and/or a non-standard threading gauge. Byconfiguring the defined connectors for predetermined lengths of coaxialcables, a manufacturer can prevent coaxial cables with shorter lengthsfrom being attached to the cellular signal booster (i.e., prevent a userfrom replacing the coaxial cable that comes with the cellular signalbooster with a shorter length coaxial cable). These shorter lengthcoaxial cables could possibly violate FCC rules by changing an effectivesystem gain or power of the cellular signal booster. If the coaxialcables have shorter lengths than what is required by the cellular signalbooster, then the gain and output power of the cellular signal boostercan be higher than a standard set by the FCC. Therefore, the definedconnectors can be utilized to enable measurements to be taken thataccount for coaxial cable losses, while preventing users for modifyingthe coaxial cable lengths and possibly violating FCC rules. The definedconnectors can be designed to prevent the users from modifying thecoaxial cable lengths.

In one example, a maximum gain value can depend on a type of cellularsignal booster. For example, indoor boosters can have a gain ofapproximately 72 decibels (dB), while mobile boosters can have a gain ofapproximately 55 dB. The maximum gain value can vary by frequency andcan be calculated by a formula dependent on a mid-band uplink frequency.These maximum gain values do not take into account the loss in thecoaxial cables. Therefore, by incorporating the coaxial cable losses,these maximum gain values can be adjusted to more accurately reflect anoptimal gain value for the cellular signal booster.

In one example, the usage of the defined connectors can effectivelyextend the cellular signal booster ports to the ends of the coaxialcables, which can allow the cellular signal booster to comply with FCCregulatory limits without extra control information or wires other thana normal signal flow of booster amplifiers. During certification,testing measurements can be conducted at coaxial connector ports in thecellular signal booster. For example, the coaxial connector ports caninclude a first connection point at the first coaxial cable (e.g., theinside coaxial cable) and the first antenna (e.g., the inside antenna),and a second connection point at the second coaxial cable (e.g., theoutside coaxial cable) and the second antenna (e.g., the outsideantenna). In this example, the gain and output power of the cellularsignal booster can be designed to make up for the coaxial cable losses.This design can be in compliance with regulatory bodies, such as theFCC, which can allow manufacturers of such cellular signal boosters asignificant advantage over competitors that do not produce cellularsignal boosters that account for coaxial cable losses.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 300 (or repeater) withcoaxial cables 306, 326 that are connected using defined connectors 308,328. The signal booster 300 can be a cellular signal booster. The signalbooster 300 can include a first coaxial cable 306 with a first definedconnector 308. The signal booster 300 can include a second coaxial cable326 with a second defined connector 328. The signal booster 300 caninclude a signal booster unit 350 (or repeater unit) communicativelycoupled to the first coaxial cable 306 via the first defined connector308 and the second coaxial cable 326 via the second defined connector328.

In one example, the signal booster 300 can include a first antenna 302(e.g., an inside antenna) communicatively coupled to the first coaxialcable 306 via a first coaxial cable connector 304. The first coaxialcable connector 304 can be a defined connector or a non-definedconnector. The signal booster 300 can include a second antenna 322(e.g., an outside antenna) communicatively coupled to the second coaxialcable 326 via a second coaxial cable connector 324. The second coaxialcable connector 324 can be a defined connector or a non-definedconnector.

In one configuration, the signal booster 300 can include a controller340. The controller 340 can adjust a gain and output power of the signalbooster unit 350 that accounts for losses on the first coaxial cable 306and losses on the second coaxial cable 326. The controller 340 canadjust the gain and output power of the signal booster unit 350 based ona gain and output power measurement that considers the first coaxialcable 306, the signal booster unit 350 and the second coaxial cable 326.

More specifically, the controller 340 can adjust the gain and outputpower of the signal booster unit 350 based on a gain and output powermeasurement between: the first coaxial cable connector 304communicatively coupling the first antenna 302 and the first coaxialcable 306, and the second coaxial cable connector 324 communicativelycoupling the second antenna 322 and the second coaxial cable 326,thereby accounting for the losses on the first coaxial cable 306 and thelosses on the second coaxial cable 326 when adjusting the gain andoutput power of the signal booster unit 350. In other words, a firstmeasurement value of gain and output power for the first coaxial cableconnector 304 and a second measurement value of gain and output powerfor the second coaxial cable connector 324 can enable the controller 340to adjust the gain and output power of the signal booster unit 350 whileaccounting for the losses on the first and second coaxial cables 306,326.

In one example, first defined connector 308 can be preconfigured basedon a length of the first coaxial cable 306, and the second definedconnector 328 can be preconfigured based on a length of the secondcoaxial cable 326. In other words, the first defined connector 308 canbe specifically configured for the first coaxial cable 306 (with a givenlength) and the second defined connector 328 can be specificallyconfigured for the second coaxial cable 326 (with a given length). Thefirst defined connector 308 can have a non-standard diameter or anon-standard threading gauge, and the second defined connector 328 canhave a non-standard diameter or a non-standard threading gauge.

In one configuration, the controller 340 can determine an optimum gainand output power of the signal booster unit 350 depending on a length ofthe first coaxial cable 306 and a length of the second coaxial cable326. The length of the first coaxial cable 306 and the length of thesecond coaxial cable 326 can affect losses on the first coaxial cable306 and the second coaxial cable 326, respectively. The first definedconnector 308 prevents a user from modifying the length of the firstcoaxial cable 306 and the second defined connector 328 prevents a userfrom modifying the length of the second coaxial cable 326. Therefore,gain and output power measurements taken for the signal booster unit 350with the first and second coaxial cables 306, 326 having given lengths(which cannot be changed) can enable the controller 340 to determine theoptimum gain and output power for the signal booster unit 350.

In one example, a consumer signal booster can be constrained totransmitting a maximum amount of gain (G max) and a maximum amount ofoutput power (P max), as defined in the FCC rules. The value for P maxcan be the same for all uplink bands (e.g., 30 dBm) and downlink bands(e.g., 17 dBm) at a booster connector. The value for G max can vary byfrequency for fixed signal boosters and can be calculated by the formulaG max=6.5 dB+20*log(f), where f indicates a mid-band uplink frequency.In one example, according to the FCC rules, a mobile booster maximumgain shall not exceed: 15 dB when directly connected (e.g., signalboosters with a physical connection to a subscriber device), 23 dB whenusing direct contact coupling (e.g., cradle-type boosters), or 50 dBwhen using an inside antenna (e.g., inside a vehicle). According to theFCC rules, these values may not be exceeded, and losses in coaxialcables can significantly decrease a coverage area in these scenarios.

In one example, these losses in coaxial cables can be manually measured,and then a gain and output power can be manually set by a user (e.g., aninstaller of the signal booster). However, the FCC rules dictate thatconsumer signal boosters cannot be manually adjusted by the user toprevent operation outside of maximum gain and output power levels. Inother words, the FCC rules prohibit user intervention so that signalboosters are not operated outside of predetermined gain and output powerlimits. Therefore, these adjustments can be performed automaticallyusing the controller 340. In other words, the controller 340 candetermine a level of gain and output power for optimal operation of thesignal booster. The controller 340 can utilize gain and output powermeasurements (or test measurements) taken at the ends of the coaxialcables 306, 326 (which have lengths that cannot be adjusted due to thedefined connectors 308, 328), and the controller 340 can controlamplification in the signal booster unit 350 to make up for losses inthe coaxial cables 306, 326, thereby increasing the coverage area of thesignal booster 300.

In one example, the first antenna 302 can communicate with a mobiledevice (not shown), and the second antenna 322 can communicate with abase station (not shown).

In one configuration, the signal booster unit 350 can be utilized toamplify and filter signals. The signals can be uplink signals and/ordownlink signals. The signal booster unit 350 can include a firstduplexer 310 communicatively coupled to the first coaxial cable 306 viathe first defined connector 308. The signal booster unit 350 can includea second duplexer 330 communicatively coupled to the second coaxialcable 326 via the second defined connector 328. The signal booster unit350 can include one or more downlink signal paths for amplification andfiltering of downlink signals, and one or more uplink signal paths foramplification and filtering of uplink signals. For example, an uplinkpath between the first duplexer 310 and the second duplexer 330 in thesignal booster unit 350 can include a first amplifier 312, and adownlink path between the first duplexer 310 and the second duplexer 330in the signal booster unit 350 can include a second amplifier 332. Thefirst and second amplifiers 312, 332 can communicate with the controller340 in the signal booster 300 over sensing and control lines.

As an example, an uplink signal can be received at the first antenna 302from a mobile device (not shown). The uplink signal can travel throughthe first coaxial cable 306 and be provided to the first duplexer 310.The uplink signal can be directed to an uplink signal path in the signalbooster unit 350. The uplink signal can be amplified using the firstamplifier 312, and then be provided to the second duplexer 330. Theuplink signal can travel through the second coaxial cable 326 and beprovided to the second antenna 322. The second antenna 322 can transmitthe uplink signal to a base station (not shown).

As another example, a downlink signal can be received at the secondantenna 322 from the base station (not shown). The downlink signal cantravel through the second coaxial cable 326 and be provided to thesecond duplexer 330. The downlink signal can be directed to a downlinksignal path in the signal booster unit 350. The downlink signal can beamplified using the second amplifier 332, and then be provided to thefirst duplexer 310. The downlink signal can travel through the firstcoaxial cable 306 and be provided to the first antenna 302. The firstantenna 302 can transmit the downlink signal to the mobile device (notshown).

In one configuration, a repeater can include a first coaxial cable witha first defined connection and a second coaxial cable with a seconddefined connection. The repeater can include a repeater unitcommunicatively coupled to the first coaxial cable via the first definedconnection, and the repeater unit can be communicatively coupled to thesecond coaxial cable via the second defined connection. The repeater caninclude a controller configured to adjust a gain or output power of therepeater unit that accounts for known losses on the first coaxial cableand known losses on the second coaxial cable. The controller can adjustthe gain or output power of the repeater unit to meet a networkprotection or government standard.

In one configuration, the repeater can include a first antennacommunicatively coupled to the first coaxial cable via a first coaxialcable connection, and a second antenna communicatively coupled to thesecond coaxial cable via a second coaxial cable connection.

In one configuration, the controller can adjust the gain or output powerof the repeater unit based on a gain or output power measurementbetween: a first coaxial cable connector communicatively coupling afirst antenna and the first coaxial cable, and a second coaxial cableconnector communicatively coupling a second antenna and the secondcoaxial cable, thereby accounting for the known losses on the firstcoaxial cable and the known losses on the second coaxial cable whenadjusting the gain or output power of the repeater unit. Thus, thecontroller can adjust the gain or output power of the repeater unitbased on a system gain or received power that considers the firstcoaxial cable, the repeater unit and the second coaxial cable.

In one configuration, the controller can determine an optimum gain oroutput power of the repeater unit depending on: a known insertion lossassociated with the first coaxial cable and the second coaxial cable, ora known length and type associated with the first coaxial cable and thesecond coaxial cable.

In one configuration, the first defined connection can include a firstdefined connector that is preconfigured based on: an insertion loss ofthe first coaxial cable, or a length and type of the first coaxialcable. Similarly, the second defined connection can include a seconddefined connector that is preconfigured based on: an insertion loss ofthe first coaxial cable, or a length and type of the second coaxialcable. Furthermore, the first defined connection and the second definedconnection can include defined connectors with non-standard diameters ornon-standard threading gauges or reverse/non-standard polarity. Inanother configuration, the first defined connection and the seconddefined connection include defined connectors that are included withinthe repeater unit and inaccessible to a user, or the first coaxial cableand the second coaxial cable are included within the repeater unit andinaccessible to the user.

In one configuration, a repeater can include a repeater unit having afirst port and a second port. The first port can be connected only witha first selected coaxial cable, and the first selected coaxial cable canhave a first coaxial connector operable to connect with the first portand a second coaxial connector. The second port can be connected onlywith a second selected coaxial cable, and the second selected coaxialcable can have a first coaxial connector operable to connect with thesecond port and a second coaxial connector. The repeater can beconfigured to have a system gain or output power based on known losseson the first selected coaxial cable and/or the second selected coaxialcable. In a more specific example, the repeater can have the system gainor output power based on known losses between the second coaxialconnector of the first selected coaxial cable and the second coaxialconnector of the second selected coaxial cable to enable a loss of thefirst selected coaxial cable and a loss of the second selected coaxialcable to be accounted for in the system gain. In one configuration, thesystem gain can be based on the known losses between the second coaxialconnector of the first selected coaxial cable and the second coaxialconnector of the second selected coaxial cable according to arequirement of a regulatory body for a cellular consumer signal booster.In addition, the repeater can have the system gain set depending on alength of the first selected coaxial cable and a length of the secondselected coaxial cable.

In one configuration, a repeater can include a repeater unit having afirst port and a second port, a first coaxial cable fixedly connectedwith the first port, and a second coaxial cable fixedly connected withthe second port. A gain or output power of the repeater can account forknown losses on the first coaxial cable and known losses on the secondcoaxial cable. The gain or output power of the repeater can be adjustedbased on a gain or output power measurement that considers the firstcoaxial cable, the repeater unit and the second coaxial cable. The gainor output power of the repeater unit can be adjusted depending on alength of the first coaxial cable and a length of the second coaxialcable.

In one configuration, the repeater can include a circuit that checks foran expected minimum return loss or insertion loss on a donor unit serverport. When the expected minimum return loss is not present, then therepeater can shut down because one or more coaxial cables in therepeater may have been modified. Therefore, the circuit can function toensure that the repeater is not intentionally modified (e.g., lengths ofthe coaxial cables are not intentionally modified), thereby providing anextra layer of security for the repeater.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 400 with multiple signalbooster units and coaxial cables that are connected using definedconnectors. The signal booster 400 can include a first signal boosterunit 450 and a second signal booster unit 460. The first signal boosterunit 450 can include a first defined connector 418 and the second signalbooster unit 460 can include a second defined connector 438. A coaxialcable 440 can communicatively couple the first signal booster unit 450and the second signal booster unit 460 via the first defined connector418 and the second defined connector 438.

In one example, the first signal booster unit 450 can include a firstcoaxial cable connector 408. The first coaxial cable connector 408 canbe a defined connector or a non-defined connector. The first coaxialcable connector 408 can be attached to a first antenna coaxial cable406, and the first antenna coaxial cable 406 can be connected to a thirdcoaxial cable connector 404. The third coaxial cable connector 404 canbe a defined connector or a non-defined connector. In one example, afirst antenna 402 (e.g., an inside antenna) can be communicativelycoupled to the first signal booster unit 450 via the first and thirdcoaxial cable connectors 408, 404 and over the first antenna coaxialcable 406.

In one example, the second signal booster unit 460 can include a secondcoaxial cable connector 428. The second coaxial cable connector 428 canbe a defined connector or a non-defined connector. The second coaxialcable connector 428 can be attached to a second antenna coaxial cable426, and the second antenna coaxial cable 426 can be connected to afourth coaxial cable connector 424. The fourth coaxial cable connector424 can be a defined connector or a non-defined connector. In oneexample, a second antenna 422 (e.g., an outside antenna) can becommunicatively coupled to the second signal booster unit 460 via thesecond and fourth coaxial cable connectors 428, 424 and over the secondantenna coaxial cable 426.

In one configuration, a controller 470 in the signal booster 400 canadjust a gain and output power of the signal booster 400 that accountsfor losses on the coaxial cable 440 that communicatively couples thefirst signal booster unit 450 and the second signal booster unit 460.More specifically, the controller 470 can adjust the gain and outputpower of the signal booster 400 based on a gain and output powermeasurement between: the first coaxial cable connector 408communicatively coupling the first antenna 402 and the first signalbooster unit 450, and the second coaxial cable connector 428communicatively coupling the second antenna 422 and the second signalbooster unit 460, thereby accounting for the losses on the coaxial cable440 that communicatively couples the first signal booster unit 450 andthe second signal booster unit 460 when adjusting the gain and outputpower of the signal booster 400. In this configuration, the controller470 can adjust the gain and output power of the signal booster 400 basedon a gain and output power measurement that considers the first signalbooster unit 450, the coaxial cable 440 and the second signal boosterunit 460.

In one configuration, the first signal booster unit 450 can be anin-line amplification unit and the second signal booster unit 460 can bea main amplification unit. The coaxial cable 440 can be a middle coaxialcable between the in-line amplification unit and the main amplificationunit, which can be attached using defined connectors. The usage of thedefined connectors can be useful in guaranteeing a certain amount ofcoaxial cable loss between the in-line amplification unit and the mainamplification unit. In this configuration, the first antenna coaxialcable 406 can be an inside coaxial cable and the second antenna coaxialcable 426 can be an outside coaxial cable, and a gain and output powercan be measured between: (1) a connection point between the in-lineamplification unit and the inside coaxial cable, and (2) a connectionpoint between the main amplification unit and the outside coaxial cable.As a result, losses from the middle coaxial cable can be included whensetting a gain and the output power. Therefore, the in-lineamplification unit, the main amplification unit, and the middle coaxialcable in between the in-line amplification unit and the mainamplification unit can be certified as a single consumer signal boostersystem.

In one configuration, the controller 470 in the signal booster 400 canadjust a gain and output power of the signal booster 400 that accountsfor losses on the first antenna coaxial cable 406, the coaxial cable 440that communicatively couples the first signal booster unit 450 and thesecond signal booster unit 460, and the second antenna coaxial cable426. More specifically, the controller 470 can adjust the gain andoutput power of the signal booster 400 based on a gain and output powermeasurement between: the third coaxial cable connector 404 thatcommunicatively couples the first antenna 402 with the first antennacoaxial cable 406, and the fourth coaxial cable connector 424 thatcommunicatively couples the second antenna 422 with the second antennacoaxial cable 426, thereby accounting for losses on: the first antennacoaxial cable 406, the coaxial cable 440 that communicatively couplesthe first signal booster unit 450 and the second signal booster unit460, and the second antenna coaxial cable 426, when adjusting the gainand output power of the signal booster 400.

In one configuration, the first antenna coaxial cable 406 can be aninside coaxial cable and the first coaxial cable connector 408 can be adefined connector, and the second antenna coaxial cable 426 can be anoutside coaxial cable and the second coaxial cable connector 428 can bea defined connector. In this configuration, a gain and output power canbe measured between: (1) a connection point between the inside coaxialcable and an inside antenna, and (2) a connection point between theoutside coaxial cable and an outside antenna. Thus, the losses from eachof the coaxial cables can be included when setting a gain and outputpower.

In one example, the first defined connector 418 can be preconfiguredbased on a length of the coaxial cable 440, and the second definedconnector 438 can be preconfigured based on the length of the coaxialcable 440. In another example, the first defined connector 418 can havea non-standard diameter or a non-standard threading gauge, and thesecond defined connector 438 can have a non-standard diameter or anon-standard threading gauge.

In one example, the first signal booster unit 450 can include one ormore amplifiers and one or more filters for amplification and filteringof signals. For example, the first signal booster 450 can include afirst duplexer 410, a first amplifier 412, a second duplexer 414 and asecond amplifier 416. The second signal booster unit 460 can include oneor more amplifiers and one or more filters for amplification andfiltering of signals. For example, the second signal booster 460 caninclude a third duplexer 434, a third amplifier 436, a fourth duplexer430 and a fourth amplifier 432.

In one configuration, a signal boosting system can include a firstsignal booster unit with a first defined connection, a second signalbooster unit with a second defined connection, a coaxial cable thatcommunicatively couples the first signal booster unit and the secondsignal booster unit via the first defined connection and the seconddefined connection, and at least one controller configured to adjust again or output power of the signal boosting system that accounts forknown losses on the coaxial cable that communicatively couples the firstsignal booster unit and the second signal booster unit.

In one configuration, the signal boosting system can include a firstantenna communicatively coupled to the first signal booster unit via afirst coaxial cable connection over a first antenna coaxial cable, and asecond antenna communicatively coupled to the second signal booster unitvia a second coaxial cable connection over a second antenna coaxialcable.

In one configuration, the controller can adjust the gain or output powerof the signal boosting system based on a gain and or power measurementbetween: a first coaxial cable connector communicatively coupling afirst antenna and the first signal booster unit, and a second coaxialcable connector communicatively coupling a second antenna and the secondsignal booster unit, thereby accounting for the known losses on thecoaxial cable that communicatively couples the first signal booster unitand the second signal booster unit when adjusting the gain or outputpower of the signal booster.

In one configuration, the controller can adjust the gain or output powerof the signal boosting system between the first signal booster unit andthe second signal booster unit, thereby accounting for systemperformance of: the first signal booster unit, the second signal boosterunit, and the coaxial cable that communicatively couples the firstsignal booster unit and the second signal booster unit, when adjustingthe gain or output power of the signal boosting system.

In one configuration, the at least one controller can include a firstcontroller configured to adjust a gain or output power for the firstsignal booster unit and a second controller configured to adjust a gainor output power for the second signal booster unit.

FIG. 5 provides an example illustration of the wireless device, such asa user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile communicationdevice, a tablet, a handset, a wireless transceiver coupled to aprocessor, or other type of wireless device. The wireless device caninclude one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node ortransmission station, such as an access point (AP), a base station (BS),an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head(RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radioequipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module(CPM), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point.The wireless device can communicate using separate antennas for eachwireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wirelesscommunication standards. The wireless device can communicate in awireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network(WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

FIG. 5 also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or morespeakers that can be used for audio input and output from the wirelessdevice. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen,or other type of display screen such as an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen.The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touchscreen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor canbe coupled to internal memory to provide processing and displaycapabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to providedata input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port canalso be used to expand the memory capabilities of the wireless device. Akeyboard can be with the wireless device or wirelessly connected to thewireless device to provide additional user input. A virtual keyboard canalso be provided using the touch screen.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to specific technology embodiments andpoint out specific features, elements, or actions that can be used orotherwise combined in achieving such embodiments.

Example 1 includes a repeater, comprising: a first coaxial cable with afirst defined connection; a repeater unit communicatively coupled to thefirst coaxial cable via the first defined connection; and a controllerconfigured to adjust a gain or output power of the repeater unit thataccounts for known losses on the first coaxial cable.

Example 2 includes the repeater of Example 1, further comprising: asecond coaxial cable with a second defined connection, wherein therepeater unit is communicatively coupled to the second coaxial cable viathe second defined connection, and the controller is further configuredto adjust a gain or output power of the repeater unit that accounts forknown losses on the second coaxial cable.

Example 3 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 2, furthercomprising: a first antenna communicatively coupled to the first coaxialcable via a first coaxial cable connection; and a second antennacommunicatively coupled to a second coaxial cable via a second coaxialcable connection.

Example 4 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein thecontroller is further configured to adjust the gain or output power ofthe repeater unit based on a gain or output power measurement between: afirst coaxial cable connector communicatively coupling a first antennaand the first coaxial cable, and a second coaxial cable connectorcommunicatively coupling a second antenna and a second coaxial cable,thereby accounting for the known losses on the first coaxial cable andthe known losses on the second coaxial cable when adjusting the gain oroutput power of the repeater unit.

Example 5 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein thecontroller is further configured to adjust the gain or output power ofthe repeater unit based on a system gain or received power thatconsiders the first coaxial cable, the repeater unit and a secondcoaxial cable.

Example 6 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein thecontroller is further configured to determine an optimum gain or outputpower of the repeater unit depending on: a known insertion lossassociated with the first coaxial cable, or a known length and typeassociated with the first coaxial cable.

Example 7 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein: thefirst defined connection includes a first defined connector that ispreconfigured based on: an insertion loss of the first coaxial cable, ora length and type of the first coaxial cable.

Example 8 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein thefirst defined connection includes a defined connector with anon-standard diameter or a non-standard threading gauge orreverse/non-standard polarity.

Example 9 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 8, the firstdefined connection includes a standard connector or a non-standardconnector that is included within the repeater unit and inaccessible toa user, or the first defined connection is a direct connection to aprinted circuit board (PCB).

Example 10 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein therepeater unit includes: a first signal path communicatively coupled tothe first coaxial cable via the first defined connection; and a secondsignal path communicatively coupled to the second coaxial cable via thesecond defined connection.

Example 11 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein therepeater unit includes: one or more downlink signal paths foramplification and filtering of downlink signals; and one or more uplinksignal paths for amplification and filtering of uplink signals.

Example 12 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 11, wherein:the first antenna is an inside antenna that is configured to communicatewith a mobile device; and the second antenna is an outside antenna thatis configured to communicate with a base station.

Example 13 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein thecontroller is configured to adjust the gain or output power of therepeater unit to meet a network protection or government standard.

Example 14 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 13, furthercomprising a circuit configured to: determine an expected minimum returnloss or insertion loss on a donor unit server port of the repeater; andshut down the repeater when the expected minimum return loss orinsertion loss is not present.

Example 15 includes the repeater of any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein therepeater unit and the first coaxial cable are certifiable as a system tomeet a network protection or government standard.

Example 16 includes a signal boosting system, comprising: a first signalbooster unit with a first defined connection; a coaxial cable that iscommunicatively coupled to the first signal booster unit via the firstdefined connection; and at least one controller configured to adjust again or output power of the signal boosting system that accounts forknown losses on the coaxial cable that is communicatively coupled to thefirst signal booster unit.

Example 17 includes the signal boosting system of Example 16, furthercomprising a second signal booster unit with a second definedconnection, wherein the coaxial cable is communicatively coupled to thesecond signal booster unit via a second defined connection, wherein theat least one controller is configured to adjust the gain or output powerof the signal boosting system that accounts for known losses on thecoaxial cable that is communicatively coupled to the second signalbooster unit.

Example 18 includes the signal boosting system of any of Examples 16 to17, further comprising: a first antenna communicatively coupled to thefirst signal booster unit via a first coaxial cable connection over afirst antenna coaxial cable.

Example 19 includes the signal boosting system of any of claims 16 to18, wherein the at least one controller is further configured to adjustthe gain or output power of the signal boosting system based on a gainand or power measurement between: a first coaxial cable connectorcommunicatively coupling a first antenna and the first signal boosterunit, and a second coaxial cable connector communicatively coupling asecond antenna and a second signal booster unit, thereby accounting forthe known losses on the coaxial cable that is communicatively coupled tothe first signal booster unit and the second signal booster unit whenadjusting the gain or output power of the signal booster.

Example 20 includes the signal boosting system of any of Examples 17 to19, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust the gain oroutput power of the signal boosting system between the first signalbooster unit and a second signal booster unit, thereby accounting forsystem performance of: the first signal booster unit, the second signalbooster unit, and the coaxial cable that is communicatively coupled tothe first signal booster unit and the second signal booster unit, whenadjusting the gain or output power of the signal boosting system.

Example 21 includes the signal boosting system of any of Examples 17 to20, wherein: the first defined connection includes a first definedconnector that is preconfigured based on: an insertion loss of thecoaxial cable, or a length and type of the coaxial cable.

Example 22 includes the signal boosting system of any of Examples 17 to21, wherein the first defined connection includes a defined connectorwith a non-standard diameter or a non-standard threading gauge orreverse/non-standard polarity.

Example 23 includes the signal boosting system of any of Examples 17 to22, wherein: the first signal booster unit includes one or moreamplifiers and one or more filters for amplification and filtering ofsignals.

Example 24 includes the signal boosting system of any of Examples 17 to23, wherein the at least one controller includes a first controllerconfigured to adjust a gain or output power for the first signal boosterunit and a second controller configured to adjust a gain or output powerfor a second signal booster unit.

Example 25 includes the signal boosting system of any of Examples 17 to24, wherein the at least one controller is configured to adjust the gainor output power of the signal boosting system to meet a networkprotection or government standard.

Example 26 includes a repeater, comprising: a repeater unit having afirst port and a second port, wherein the first port is operable to beconnected only with a first selected coaxial cable, the first selectedcoaxial cable having a first coaxial connector operable to connect withthe first port and a second coaxial connector, wherein the repeater isconfigured to have a system gain or output power based on known losseson the first selected coaxial cable.

Example 27 includes the repeater of Example 26, wherein the second portis operable to be connected only with a second selected coaxial cable,the second selected coaxial cable having a first coaxial connectoroperable to connect with the second port and a second coaxial connector.

Example 28 includes the repeater of any of Examples 26 to 27, whereinthe repeater is configured to have the system gain or output power basedon known losses between the second coaxial connector of the firstselected coaxial cable and the second coaxial connector of the secondselected coaxial cable to enable a loss of the first selected coaxialcable and a loss of the second selected coaxial cable to be accountedfor in the system gain.

Example 29 includes the repeater of any of Examples 26 to 28, whereinthe system gain is based on the known losses between the second coaxialconnector of the first selected coaxial cable and the second coaxialconnector of the second selected coaxial cable according to arequirement of a regulatory body for a cellular consumer signal booster.

Example 30 includes the repeater of any of Examples 26 to 29, whereinthe repeater is configured to have the system gain set depending on alength of the first selected coaxial cable and a length of the secondselected coaxial cable.

Example 31 includes a repeater, comprising: a repeater unit having afirst port and a second port; a first coaxial cable fixedly connectedwith the first port, wherein a gain or output power of the repeateraccounts for known losses on the first coaxial cable.

Example 32 includes the repeater of Example 31, further comprising asecond coaxial cable fixedly connected with the second port, wherein thegain or output power of the repeater accounts for known losses on thesecond coaxial cable.

Example 33 includes the repeater of any of Examples 31 to 32, whereinthe gain or output power of the repeater is adjusted based on a gain oroutput power measurement that considers the first coaxial cable, therepeater unit and a second coaxial cable.

Example 34 includes the repeater of any of Examples 31 to 33, whereinthe gain or output power of the repeater unit is adjusted depending on alength of the first coaxial cable.

Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take theform of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media,such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), harddrives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any othermachine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loadedinto and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomesan apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry caninclude hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computerinstructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readablestorage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does notinclude signal. In the case of program code execution on programmablecomputers, the computing device can include a processor, a storagemedium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatilememory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at leastone output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive,solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. One ormore programs that can implement or utilize the various techniquesdescribed herein can use an application programming interface (API),reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in ahigh level procedural or object oriented programming language tocommunicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case,the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combinedwith hardware implementations.

As used herein, the term processor can include general purposeprocessors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other typesof specialized processors, as well as base band processors used intransceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described inthis specification have been labeled as modules, in order to moreparticularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, amodule can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising customvery-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can beused to implement the functional units described in this specification.For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be usedto perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or asecond processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can beused to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit andthe second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardwarecircuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the secondhardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits.

Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified module of executable code can, forinstance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object,procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identifiedmodule need not be physically located together, but can comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joinedlogically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purposefor the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and can even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated hereinwithin modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organizedwithin any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can becollected as a single data set, or can be distributed over differentlocations including over different storage devices, and can exist, atleast partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable toperform desired functions.

Reference throughout this specification to “an example” or “exemplary”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example”or the word “exemplary” in various places throughout this specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the presentinvention can be referred to herein along with alternatives for thevarious components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defactoequivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate andautonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics canbe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A repeater, comprising: a first coaxial cablewith a first defined connection; a repeater unit communicatively coupledto the first coaxial cable via the first defined connection; and acontroller configured to adjust a gain or output power of the repeaterunit that accounts for known losses on the first coaxial cable.
 2. Therepeater of claim 1, further comprising: a second coaxial cable with asecond defined connection, wherein the repeater unit is communicativelycoupled to the second coaxial cable via the second defined connection,and the controller is further configured to adjust a gain or outputpower of the repeater unit that accounts for known losses on the secondcoaxial cable.
 3. The repeater of claim 1, further comprising: a firstantenna communicatively coupled to the first coaxial cable via a firstcoaxial cable connection; and a second antenna communicatively coupledto a second coaxial cable via a second coaxial cable connection.
 4. Therepeater of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured toadjust the gain or output power of the repeater unit based on a gain oroutput power measurement between: a first coaxial cable connectorcommunicatively coupling a first antenna and the first coaxial cable,and a second coaxial cable connector communicatively coupling a secondantenna and a second coaxial cable, thereby accounting for the knownlosses on the first coaxial cable and the known losses on the secondcoaxial cable when adjusting the gain or output power of the repeaterunit.
 5. The repeater of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to adjust the gain or output power of the repeater unit basedon a system gain or received power that considers the first coaxialcable, the repeater unit and a second coaxial cable.
 6. The repeater ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to determine anoptimum gain or output power of the repeater unit depending on: a knowninsertion loss associated with the first coaxial cable, or a knownlength and type associated with the first coaxial cable.
 7. The repeaterof claim 1, wherein: the first defined connection includes a firstdefined connector that is preconfigured based on: an insertion loss ofthe first coaxial cable, or a length and type of the first coaxialcable.
 8. The repeater of claim 1, wherein the first defined connectionincludes a defined connector with a non-standard diameter or anon-standard threading gauge or reverse/non-standard polarity.
 9. Therepeater of claim 1, wherein: the first defined connection includes astandard connector or a non-standard connector that is included withinthe repeater unit and inaccessible to a user, or the first definedconnection is a direct connection to a printed circuit board (PCB). 10.The repeater of claim 1, wherein the repeater unit includes: a firstsignal path communicatively coupled to the first coaxial cable via thefirst defined connection.
 11. The repeater of claim 1, wherein therepeater unit includes: one or more downlink signal paths foramplification and filtering of downlink signals; and one or more uplinksignal paths for amplification and filtering of uplink signals.
 12. Therepeater of claim 3, wherein: the first antenna is an inside antennathat is configured to communicate with a mobile device; and the secondantenna is an outside antenna that is configured to communicate with abase station.
 13. The repeater of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to adjust the gain or output power of the repeater unit tomeet a network protection or government standard.
 14. The repeater ofclaim 1, further comprising a circuit configured to: determine anexpected minimum return loss or insertion loss on a donor unit serverport of the repeater; and shut down the repeater when the expectedminimum return loss or insertion loss is not present.
 15. The repeaterof claim 1, wherein the repeater unit and the first coaxial cable arecertifiable as a system to meet a network protection or governmentstandard.
 16. A signal boosting system, comprising: a first signalbooster unit with a first defined connection; a coaxial cable that iscommunicatively coupled to the first signal booster unit via the firstdefined connection; and at least one controller configured to adjust again or output power of the signal boosting system that accounts forknown losses on the coaxial cable that is communicatively coupled to thefirst signal booster unit.
 17. The signal boosting system of claim 16,further comprising a second signal booster unit with a second definedconnection, wherein the coaxial cable is communicatively coupled to thesecond signal booster unit via a second defined connection, wherein theat least one controller is configured to adjust the gain or output powerof the signal boosting system that accounts for known losses on thecoaxial cable that is communicatively coupled to the second signalbooster unit.
 18. The signal boosting system of claim 16, furthercomprising: a first antenna communicatively coupled to the first signalbooster unit via a first coaxial cable connection over a first antennacoaxial cable.
 19. The signal boosting system of claim 16, wherein theat least one controller is further configured to adjust the gain oroutput power of the signal boosting system based on a gain and or powermeasurement between: a first coaxial cable connector communicativelycoupling a first antenna and the first signal booster unit, and a secondcoaxial cable connector communicatively coupling a second antenna and asecond signal booster unit, thereby accounting for the known losses onthe coaxial cable that is communicatively coupled to the first signalbooster unit and the second signal booster unit when adjusting the gainor output power of the signal boosting system.
 20. The signal boostingsystem of claim 16, wherein the controller is further configured toadjust the gain or output power of the signal boosting system betweenthe first signal booster unit and a second signal booster unit, therebyaccounting for system performance of: the first signal booster unit, thesecond signal booster unit, and the coaxial cable that iscommunicatively coupled to the first signal booster unit and the secondsignal booster unit, when adjusting the gain or output power of thesignal boosting system.
 21. The signal boosting system of claim 16,wherein: the first defined connection includes a first defined connectorthat is preconfigured based on: an insertion loss of the coaxial cable,or a length and type of the coaxial cable.
 22. The signal boostingsystem of claim 16, wherein the first defined connection includes adefined connector with a non-standard diameter or a non-standardthreading gauge or reverse/non-standard polarity.
 23. The signalboosting system of claim 16, wherein: the first signal booster unitincludes one or more amplifiers and one or more filters foramplification and filtering of signals.
 24. The signal boosting systemof claim 16, wherein the at least one controller includes a firstcontroller configured to adjust a gain or output power for the firstsignal booster unit and a second controller configured to adjust a gainor output power for a second signal booster unit.
 25. The signalboosting system of claim 16, wherein the at least one controller isconfigured to adjust the gain or output power of the signal boostingsystem to meet a network protection or government standard.
 26. Arepeater, comprising: a repeater unit having a first port and a secondport, wherein the first port is operable to be connected only with afirst selected coaxial cable, the first selected coaxial cable having afirst coaxial connector operable to connect with the first port and asecond coaxial connector, wherein the repeater is configured to have asystem gain or output power based on known losses on the first selectedcoaxial cable.
 27. The repeater of claim 26, wherein the second port isoperable to be connected only with a second selected coaxial cable, thesecond selected coaxial cable having a first coaxial connector operableto connect with the second port and a second coaxial connector.
 28. Therepeater of claim 27, wherein the repeater is configured to have thesystem gain or output power based on known losses between the secondcoaxial connector of the first selected coaxial cable and the secondcoaxial connector of the second selected coaxial cable to enable a lossof the first selected coaxial cable and a loss of the second selectedcoaxial cable to be accounted for in the system gain.
 29. The repeaterof claim 27, wherein the system gain is based on the known lossesbetween the second coaxial connector of the first selected coaxial cableand the second coaxial connector of the second selected coaxial cableaccording to a requirement of a regulatory body for a cellular consumersignal booster.
 30. The repeater of claim 27, wherein the repeater isconfigured to have the system gain set depending on a length of thefirst selected coaxial cable and a length of the second selected coaxialcable.
 31. A repeater, comprising: a repeater unit having a first portand a second port; and a first coaxial cable fixedly connected with thefirst port, wherein a gain or output power of the repeater accounts forknown losses on the first coaxial cable.
 32. The repeater of claim 31,further comprising a second coaxial cable fixedly connected with thesecond port, wherein the gain or output power of the repeater accountsfor known losses on the second coaxial cable.
 33. The repeater of claim31, wherein the gain or output power of the repeater is adjusted basedon a gain or output power measurement that considers the first coaxialcable, the repeater unit and a second coaxial cable.
 34. The repeater ofclaim 31, wherein the gain or output power of the repeater unit isadjusted depending on a length of the first coaxial cable.